Accessible Excel (implementation guide)

7.7. Animated graphics

No animated graphics (GIFs) are used.

What is meant by this?

Animated graphics in the form of GIF files should not be used in an Excel file. Animated graphics or GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format) are file formats for graphics that can play a sequence of images in a loop to create a short animation. The looping function means that GIFs are played over and over again until the viewer closes them or scrolls further. Still images can also be converted to GIF format, but this significantly reduces the quality.

Why is it important?

The use of animated graphics should not be used in the design of accessible digital content. It is important to note that GIFs generally do not offer the option of pausing or stopping the animation, which makes it difficult for recipients with concentration difficulties, for example, to grasp the content or concentrate on content outside the animation. Fast movements or flickering effects can also trigger seizures in some recipients with photosensitivity.

How can I implement/check it?

You can switch to static graphics to convey information instead of using animated GIFs. Depending on the operating system, the check for GIFs is carried out in two different ways:

Mac:

1. Check whether animated graphics are available in the Excel file.
2. If so, consider whether these graphics add value to the content of the Excel file.
3. If the animated graphics have no added value, remove them from the document.
4. If you want to keep the graphic, switch off the animation.
5. Right-click on the animated graphic.
6. Select the "Cut" option.
7. Now click on "Start" in the menu bar at the top.
8. Click on the arrow symbol next to the "Insert" button.
9. Select the "Insert as image" option.
10. The image should no longer be animated.

Windows:

1. Look at all the graphics in the Excel file and pay particular attention to those that move.
2. Check whether the moving graphics add value to the content of the Excel file. If not, you should remove them.
3. If you want to keep the graphic still, click on it with the right mouse button.
4. Select the "Cut" option from the context menu.
5. Right-click again at the point where you want to insert the graphic again.
6. Select the "Insert" option and then "Graphic" from the menu.
7. The image should now be inserted as a static graphic without movement.